Zumbrota, MN (KROC-AM News)- Funeral processions are taking place today for a retired Zumbrota Police Officer who died last week at the age of 46

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The Zumbrota Police Department says former officer Gary Schroeder medically retired in 2020 and continued fighting PTSD sustained in the line of duty. He died by suicide on April 17. 

Services begin at 11 a.m. today at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. A funeral procession will then begin around 12:30 p.m. The procession will depart the church, do a loop around the small town and return to the church. 

Facebook/Zumbrota Police Department
Facebook/Zumbrota Police Department
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The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office has temporarily taken over service in the City of Zumbrota to allow Zumbrota police officers to grieve the loss of Gary. The Zumbrota Police Department will resume its watch at 9 p.m. 

Facebook/Zumbrota Police Department
Facebook/Zumbrota Police Department
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Gary’s colleagues remember him for his hearty laugh and deep love of the Zumbrota community. He served as a police officer for 18 years and was also a volunteer firefighter. 

A memorial account has been created to support Gary's family at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Checks can be made out to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, with the memo indicating Schroeder memorial, and sent to 1549 East Ave Zumbrota, MN 55992. 

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Resource information is provided for free as well as a chat message service. To speak directly to a professional, call 1-800-273-8255. You are not alone and help is available. Every life is important.

While expressing their condolences to Gary’s family and the Zumbrota Police Department, area law enforcement also encouraged anyone experiencing distress to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting to 988 or reaching out online at 988lifeline.org

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